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Posted on: 27 December 2021

Many people choose to purchase used cars rather than brand-new cars in an attempt to save money. However, there are also many people who find themselves unsure about purchasing a used car. This anxiety is often tied to the worry that they will end up purchasing a vehicle that requires a lot of repairs. While there is no way to guarantee that you will not be faced with the need to make auto repairs shortly after purchasing your new used car, there are ways to help minimize this risk. Continue reading to learn more about how you can help to manage your risk of being stuck with high repair bills when shopping for a used car.

Ask For Service Records

Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent the need for major repairs to a vehicle. In order to ensure that the vehicle you are thinking about purchasing has undergone scheduled maintenance services, you will want to request service records for the vehicle. Not all vehicles will come with a complete set of service records. However, narrowing down your choices to vehicles that do have this information available will greatly help to reduce the risk that you are purchasing a vehicle with a lot of hidden costs attached.

Inspect The Vehicle For Signs Of Damage

When you purchase a used vehicle, most used car dealers will offer you a history of the vehicle which details whether or not the vehicle has been involved in any accidents. However, it is important to remember that this documentation only discloses any accidents that were reported. Since individuals typically report accidents only if there is the chance of an insurance settlement, it is not uncommon for individuals to forego reporting single-car accidents or hit-and-run accidents. In this situation, there can be significant damage to the frame of the vehicle that is not indicated by the paperwork that is provided with the vehicle. If you notice any signs of collision damage on a vehicle that has no official accident history, it is best to have this vehicle thoroughly inspected by an independent mechanic to determine the extent of the damage before you consider buying it.

Inquire About An Extended Warranty

As previously stated, there is no such thing as a guarantee when it comes to your ability to avoid repair bills when purchasing a used car. However, choosing to purchase an extended warranty can help to guarantee you will not be left with high repair bills if something major does goes wrong with your new car. 

For more information about used cars for sale, contact a local dealer, like Car Craft Auto Sales, Inc.